View Full Version : The most fun I've ever had in my life!
LanceS13
12-04-2001, 12:44 AM
Yesterday (Sunday), I participated in my first track lapping day at No Problem Raceway Park in Donaldsonville, LA. It was an absolute blast! I'm still on a high from it. Everybody got 5 20 minutes sessions throughout the day. I had an experienced guy from my SCCA region ride with me my first two sessions to show me the ropes and give me some pointers...taught me how to left foot brake and made me heel-toe. After my second session he told me I was on my own and to get out of the novice run group and run intermediate (there were three run groups--novice, intermediate, and advanced) b/c I was riding too many people's ass in novice:biggrin:. Even in intermediate I caught and passed several Porsches. Me and my friend played cat and mouse. He was in his new ITR and I was impressed with the 240's ability to hold its own against such a well prepped and more capable car...of course he was new to the car which was stock and I have several suspension upgrades, but he still had 300lbs less and 40 hp more. Didn't get a chance to run against my friends in the Miata and Probe GT.:(
The day went pretty smoothly with only a few people going off course and none with damage. A guy from my region in a Saleen S-371 lost his brakes at the end of the 1900ft. front straight and took a little excursion through the infield. My Miata friend did a 360 and went off in some esses. And I dropped the left side offcourse after saving a spin. A few other people saw their share of dirt but everyone went home with an intact car...and with big grins on their faces. How could you not be happy when you spend and hour and half (throughout the day) doing 105 down the front straight and slipping through turn 1 and the following switchback at 85, hitting 95 at redline in 3rd on the backstretch and trailbraking to rotate into a highspeed sweeping ess, and left foot braking to pull very slight 4 wheel drifts at the edge of adhesion through the "M" and the carousel before accelerating onto the front staight again. And the best part....track fee was only $75! We definitely have to get a meet together if they hold a similar event sometime in the future. Oh well, I've written a book and I'm not sure how meaningful to you all this is....but man...this weekend was fun!!!!!!<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>
Archangel
12-04-2001, 01:43 AM
If they ever have anything like that around here, I'd go in a heatbeat, no matter what the fee.
Did you go through a whole set of brake pads?
Any noticable tire wear?
Any other issues with running a street car on a track?
Just curious.
Kid Zelda
12-04-2001, 01:50 AM
nothings better then sex.....thats what we live for, born to do......come come now
misnomer
12-04-2001, 02:49 AM
That's true, I think I'd rather have sex than drive, but I do wanna get in on some autocross action someday soon :-) I'll need to find a track nearby first.
HippoSleek
12-04-2001, 09:24 AM
I am with Lance on this one - but I actually think it is better than sex. No way would I pay for sex (especially when my last track fee was over $100, plus brake pads). I can get sex anytime I want it - not just a few times a year. I would not drive 3 hours and stay in a seedy motel just for sex. :biggrin:
Anyway Lance, welcome to the dark side :evilgrin: I did my first in the 240 this summer and was instantly hooked! I look at my grocery bill and think, "Gee, that's almost a set of track pads or 1/2 a weekend entry fee (w/ discount). Do I really need food?"
I'll also attest to the 240 as a much better performer than most would imagine. The first time I went, a buddy of mine was instructing in the car ahead of me (fully preped Si) and couldn't understand how I would wind up on their bumper through every turn and only drop back slightly on the straights (w/ my bone stock, high mile, new to me car). He finally just decided that he had short changed the 240's performance.
Arch - if you get good/track pads, one set can last for up to four lapping events. You should only notice tire wear on R-compounds. Other - get Z rated tires - all others will get "greasy" feeling. Otherwise, my car is mostly stock trim has kept up with newer cars in its class and has only surprised me with its track performance. See the other track post about SP, WV - next time an event comes up, I'll post it here.
Man, that sounds so awsome! I wana go! I've gota get this frickin car payed off b4 I can race it tho <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':('> 'rents changed their mind yet again...
HippoSleek
12-04-2001, 09:29 AM
DSC - I've never had it verified where you live. Are you in VA or on the E. Coast? I am going to start posting event info here since it seems so many of us like it, but the info is hard to come by.
BlankFlip
12-04-2001, 09:41 AM
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from HippoSleek on 11:29 am on Dec. 4, 2001
DSC - I've never had it verified where you live. Are you in VA or on the E. Coast? I am going to start posting event info here since it seems so many of us like it, but the info is hard to come by.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
usually a lot of events in VA?
I'm in Chesapeake Va, about 20 minutes from the beach, about 10 minuets from NC. There's a local club here that does auto-x once a month throught the spring, summer, and fall. I dono what we have as far as actuall track racing.
Edit: there, now my profile has my location...
(Edited by DSC at 9:52 am on Dec. 4, 2001)
BlankFlip
12-04-2001, 09:53 AM
that's cool. i'm like 4 hours away from the va border or so i believe. but if there's ever nething real big goin' on around there i'd have no problem takin' the drive. it took me like 6.5 hours or so to get to fairfax county, va by d.c. n that drive didn't seem 2 bad.
yenpit
12-04-2001, 10:42 AM
hey archangel, you should look into an event at Mid Ohio Raceway in Lexington OH (like its name its right in the middle of state!). Go to an SCCA or such event, but make sure they have a "touring" session during lunch break. its only 1hr, not nearly as long as a "track day" but STILL a blast! not quite as hi speed either.....for your first time. yup, track day events are pure adrenalin rushes!!
HippoSleek
12-04-2001, 11:13 AM
BlankFlip - yeah, there are quite a few events in VA. The state's NASA chapter is very active. Unfortunately, there are only two circuits w/n a fair range: Summit Point, WV (1.5 hr drive) or VIR in Alton, VA (4.5 hr drive). I figure since I live in Fairfax Co., and it took you 6.5 hrs to get there, you should be much close to VIR than me. Everyone I know whose driven it talks about how great it is, making me more jealous! I know there are a lot of people coming up from NC for it.
DSC - #### - Chesapeake is such a 240 hotbed! I actually looked at two in town there and bought mine from near Williamsburg! Plus there are about 5 SRs there, right? Anyway, VA NASA runs most of its autox events down by Richmond (many at VMP in Petersburg). That is a good squad and I plan on attending more of their events next year (DC SCCA just has too many drivers and not enough slots).
In any case, like I said before, the next time a big event like the current VIR track day comes up I will put up a post. I would be nice to meet some of you guys and not be the ONLY 240 for a change <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'>
LanceS13
12-04-2001, 11:19 AM
The car handled the abuse pretty well.
At the end of the last session, the temperature gauge started creeping up, but it never overheated.
I had new brake pads and fluid. I was using the plain AutoZone pads and Valvaline fluid. The pads performed and held up well. After a couple of sessions they were smoking pretty good, though;)...the heat tab shifted and melted against the caliper on the front left, but it's no big deal. The fluid held up well as well...it began to fade during the last session and I had to drive home with half of my original braking ability. I just boiled the fluid...nothing a good bleed won't take care of.
The tires held up better than I had originally expected. I pushed them pretty hard so I lost some tread, but there's plenty left. FYI, they're Kumho Supra 712's.
I will definitely post about the next event...lapping day or autox (autox can't touch a track day, but it's still fun).
BlankFlip
12-04-2001, 12:05 PM
well i might be in fairfax county after x-mas this year to visit a friend of mine up there, if money is okay. lances13, how much brake pads cost u? n did u have to get new ones for th track?
Sway500
12-04-2001, 02:31 PM
Speed Trials has events at VIR sometime. I cant remember when the next one is but just go to their website.
LanceS13
12-04-2001, 02:46 PM
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from BlankFlip on 1<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>5 pm on Dec. 4, 2001
lances13, how much brake pads cost u? n did u have to get new ones for th track?
</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
I just used the regular lifetime warranty pads that you get from AutoZone or Discount Auto for something like $40 or so...can't remember exactly. They took the abuse pretty well considering I still have well over half the pads left after a day of hard left foot braking (a.k.a. riding the brakes).
crazycuban
12-04-2001, 02:48 PM
hippo, i'm in herndon...how often do they have events? im not so sure i'd want to run against other cars, but do they have hot lapping events in the winter?
LanceS13
12-04-2001, 03:00 PM
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from crazycuban on 3:48 pm on Dec. 4, 2001
im not so sure i'd want to run against other cars, but do they have hot lapping events in the winter?</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
A lapping day is not a competition...you can pass only when the car in front acknowlegdes that you are faster than he is and he waves you by, which normally restricted to straighaways. However, this doesn't mean you can't play a little cat and mouse with your friends. Me and the guy in the ITR were on each other's asses several times. We'd let each other pass on the straights every now and then so we could watch each other's technique. Just be careful if you're gonna run this close, and don't do it unless you have some high speed experience (i.e. Me and Jaimie (ITR owner) didn't do this until our 4th session).
crazycuban
12-04-2001, 03:35 PM
yeah, my bad, didnt put that right...meant to say that BECAUSE i dont think i'd wanna run against other cars, i'd like to know when hot lapping events are...
mrace240sx
12-04-2001, 03:46 PM
Lance you are so lucky, I would love to go and do something like that. I am glad you had a great time, post more stories if you go again. I am hoping to find somewhere near me to do something like that, Im even talking to a friend of mine about possibly signing up for one of those racing schools in a few years. Itll cost alot of money but I think I gotta do it one time before I die.
cheers
HippoSleek
12-04-2001, 04:09 PM
crazy lives in my neck of the woods?! :cool: Cool - maybe I'll get to hear that new BOV?
The next VIR event is this weekend (two day 12/8-9/01) brought to you by www.speedtrialusa.com After two sold out events in the DC/VA region, they claim they will be doing more in the future, which adds to the FATTs at Summit and the events there by WDCR SCCA and VA NASA and the odd car clubs that don't really want you there (Porsche people are the WORST). There's actually several per-year b/n Summit and VIR if you keep your eyes open. Unfortunately winter slows this all down a bit. I keep up on them, so I will pass them along here.
As for the lapping days around here, the NASA and ST events are very controlled. Lance is absolutely correct that you shouldn't consider it as a race. My buddies and I made a pact not to line up near each other to avoid anyone pushing it too hard - you can always get someone to time you to compare... but otherwise, we were afraid of offs or rubing. Also, around here at least, your chances of getting signed off in the beginner class are slim. That means you may have an instructor in your car the whole time - who will remind you not to do anything stupid (in case you forget;)). If they feel comfortable, however, they will urge you to take corners on people's ass, so that they will waive you by in the straights. But keep in mind - they are passangers in a stranger's car - they have a strong preservation instinct that keeps it safe <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>
Lance - you only ate 1/2 of a cheapo set of pads? You gotta brake harder <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'> (time for new fluid!) Actually, I have such awesome pads, I was braking so late my instructor thought I was crazy! $136 shipped = ouch.
Excitement breeds long posts... sorry.
yenpit
12-04-2001, 04:21 PM
if u guys havent been to a SpeedTrials event....GO!!!! we had them here in Michigan the past two summers .......there was even a SKYLINE! it wasn't racin thou, the guy lives in Chicago, he drove up with a group of racers. lots of hondas, mazdas, nissans, etc etc. great fun!!
crazycuban
12-04-2001, 04:24 PM
sure hippo, where in ffx u at?
and if u have any experience or want any with the sr swap, mine is happening soon in my garage. ur welcome to get ur hands dirty.
HippoSleek
12-04-2001, 04:47 PM
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from crazycuban on 2:24 pm on Dec. 4, 2001
sure hippo, where in ffx u at?
and if u have any experience or want any with the sr swap, mine is happening soon in my garage. ur welcome to get ur hands dirty.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
I live in Falls Church/Tyson's area. Seeing the timeline on your swap, I would love to have grease up to and above my elbows <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'> I'm looking at the same project in the spring and would welcome being a part of one first. I'll drop you an email - but I gotta run now so I can catch the train to my bus! (yes - a car freak that takes mass transit)
LanceS13
12-04-2001, 05:01 PM
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from HippoSleek on 5<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>9 pm on Dec. 4, 2001
Lance - you only ate 1/2 of a cheapo set of pads? You gotta brake harder <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'> (time for new fluid!) Actually, I have such awesome pads, I was braking so late my instructor thought I was crazy! $136 shipped = ouch.
</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Actually I was braking pretty hard. Of course I could have braked a few feet later in a few turns, but remember, this is my first high speed event.;) I'm used to braking from no more than 55-60 at autox's...I had to relearn my braking distances. I still pushed them pretty hard I thought...afterall, they were smoking after a couple of the sessions.:) And the fluid was changed the day before.
(Edited by LanceS13 at 6<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>2 pm on Dec. 4, 2001)
Arcane
12-04-2001, 05:10 PM
You can always drive while having sex...you get the best of both worlds...
Disclaimer: Arcane does not endorse driving while having sex...but it sure is fun!!!
(Edited by Arcane at 5:10 pm on Dec. 4, 2001)
BlankFlip
12-04-2001, 05:57 PM
well if i'm up there, it will be in herndon or a town that i forgot the name of that is like 20 minutes away from there. falls church n tysons corner sounds familiar, seems like i drove by a tysons corner exit or something when i was last up there.
crazycuban
12-04-2001, 06:18 PM
herndon? reston? mclean? oakton?
BlankFlip
12-04-2001, 06:20 PM
reston sounds real familiar. is there a reston parkway? n i remember the dulles town center, jaxx, n herndon. yeah, herndon n reston r the 2 places i'm talking about. that's the area i'd be in if i was there. nething usually go on around there?
HippoSleek
12-05-2001, 08:23 AM
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from LanceS13 on 3<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>1 pm on Dec. 4, 2001
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Actually I was braking pretty hard. Of course I could have braked a few feet later in a few turns, but remember, this is my first high speed event.;) I'm used to braking from no more than 55-60 at autox's...I had to relearn my braking distances. I still pushed them pretty hard I thought...afterall, they were smoking after a couple of the sessions.:) And the fluid was changed the day before.
(Edited by LanceS13 at 6<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>2 pm on Dec. 4, 2001)
</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
True, true... braking at a track for the first time is so totally different that autox. Next time you go, I would recommend a set of race pads and a good Motul or ATE Super Blue fluid change. Honestly, I would make 100 feet of ground on the car ahead of me braking into the turn after the straight. But more than that, I got no smoke (just wavy hot air coming off them) and no fade in any of my sessions - which did more for my confidence and feeling of safety than it did for my lap times. Of the three I traveled up with, for my last session, one had new Power Slot rotors and Hawk HPS (or "+" ?) - no pads left and his slots were gone (clogged w/ pad slag) and he was flagged after an off and smoking brakes. The other guys also had CarboTech Panther+'s. After that I decided I would race any car on a track - just make sure it has tires and brakes!
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